ATI RN
Age Specific Nursing Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client has been taking lithium and fluoxetine (Prozac) for almost a week. During today's assessment, the nurse notes a temperature of 39°C, muscle rigidity, and confusion. The client's signs and symptoms suggest:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This is indicated by the client's elevated temperature, muscle rigidity, and confusion, which are classic symptoms of NMS. NMS is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition associated with the use of antipsychotic medications like lithium and fluoxetine. The onset of NMS is often rapid and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. Dystonic reactions (choice A) involve sudden and involuntary muscle contractions, which are not consistent with the client's symptoms. Bradykinesic side effects (choice B) refer to slowed movements, which are not present in this case. Extrapyramidal side effects (choice C) typically include symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and restlessness, but do not encompass the combination of symptoms seen in NMS.
Question 2 of 5
A community mental health nurse is assigned to investigate the frequent school absences of an 11-year-old child. The nurse finds the child home alone, caring for his 1- and 3-year-old siblings. The house is cluttered and dirty, and both parents are at work. The child tells the nurse that whenever his mother is called to work at her part-time job, he must watch the kids because the family cannot afford a babysitter. Based on the information obtained thus far, what preliminary assessment can be made?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The child and his siblings are experiencing neglect. Neglect is defined as failure to provide for a child's basic needs, such as supervision, food, shelter, and medical care. In this scenario, the child is left alone to care for his younger siblings, indicating a lack of appropriate supervision and care from the parents. The house being cluttered and dirty further suggests neglect in terms of living conditions. Choice A is incorrect because the child is not coping well; rather, he is forced into a caretaker role beyond his developmental capacity. Choice C is incorrect as there is no information provided to suggest sexual abuse. Choice D is incorrect as there is no evidence of physical abuse in the scenario.
Question 3 of 5
A 28-year-old female client was admitted 3 days ago after she ran nude through the streets shouting that she was the 'Queen of Hearts.' Since admission, the client remains delusional, shouts obscenities, and demonstrates loosely associated thoughts. Based on these data, the nurse should develop a nursing diagnosis of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct nursing diagnosis is "Disturbed thought processes" (C) because the client's behavior of being delusional, shouting obscenities, and demonstrating loosely associated thoughts indicates a disruption in their ability to think clearly and logically. This diagnosis reflects the client's cognitive dysfunction and disorganized thinking patterns. Choice A (Risk for violence) is incorrect because the client's behavior does not directly suggest a risk for violence towards others or themselves. Choice B (Defensive coping) is incorrect as the client's behavior is not indicative of using defensive mechanisms to cope with stress or anxiety. Choice D (Impaired memory) is incorrect as the client's symptoms are more indicative of thought processing issues rather than memory deficits. In summary, the client's presentation aligns closely with symptoms of disturbed thought processes, making it the most appropriate nursing diagnosis in this case.
Question 4 of 5
The wife of a client newly diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia asks the nurse, 'My husband was well adjusted until a month ago, and then, after a lot of work stress, he got sick. What can I expect? Will he be this sick for the rest of his life?' What information can the nurse provide about prognosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "This disorder responds well to treatment and, with follow-up, may not recur." Rationale: 1. Paranoid schizophrenia typically responds well to treatment, especially with early intervention. 2. With proper medication and therapy, individuals with paranoid schizophrenia can experience significant improvement and lead fulfilling lives. 3. Follow-up care and support are crucial in maintaining stability and preventing relapses. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: All types of schizophrenia are chronic relapsing disorders - This is not accurate as outcomes can vary depending on the subtype of schizophrenia. C: Outcomes are poor related to client prehospital disorganization - This statement is too general and does not specifically address the prognosis of paranoid schizophrenia. D: The usual outcome is that only partial remission is achieved - This is not always the case, as many individuals with paranoid schizophrenia can achieve full remission with appropriate treatment.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has not come out of her room for breakfast. The nurse finds the patient moving restlessly about her room in a disorganized manner. The patient is talking to herself, and her verbal responses to the nurse are nonsensical and suggest disorientation. The nurse notices that the patient's skin is hot and dry, and her pupils are somewhat dilated. All these symptoms are significant departures from the patient's recent presentation. The patient is likely experiencing ______, and the nurse should ______.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: anticholinergic toxicity. The patient's symptoms align with this diagnosis due to the disorganized behavior, nonsensical speech, disorientation, hot and dry skin, dilated pupils, and recent presentation changes. Anticholinergic toxicity can cause confusion, delirium, hyperthermia, and dilated pupils. Checking vital signs and preparing to use a cooling blanket are appropriate actions to manage the symptoms. Choice B (relapse of psychosis) is incorrect because the symptoms are not typical of a psychotic relapse. Choice C (neuroleptic malignant syndrome) is incorrect as the symptoms do not completely align with this syndrome, which typically includes muscle rigidity and autonomic dysfunction. Choice D (agranulocytosis) is incorrect because it presents with low white blood cell count and not the symptoms described in the scenario.